counterpulsation

counterpulsation

[kown″ter-pul-sa´shun]

a technique for assisting the circulation and decreasing the work of the heart by synchronizing the force of an external pumping device with cardiac systole and diastole. External counterpulsation is a noninvasive procedure in which the legs are encased in rigid tubular bags filled with air or water and connected to a pumping unit. Internal counterpulsation requires insertion of an intra-aortic balloon-tipped catheter, the distal end of which is attached to a pump that inflates the balloon. (See also intra-aortic balloon pump.)

External counterpulsation is less effective than internal counterpulsation, but it is easier to use and less hazardous to the patient. It employs the same general principles as internal counterpulsation by applying pressure against the blood vessels of the legs during diastole and release of pressure during systole. This has the effect of increasing venous return and enhancing systolic unloading of the left ventricle. The end result of external counterpulsation is that of augmenting coronary circulation and improving blood flow to the myocardium, improving systemic circulation, and reducing the workload of the heart, thereby lessening myocardial demand for and consumption of oxygen. Indications for external counterpulsation include cardiogenic shock and severe heart failure in acute situations such as myocardial infarction and open-heart surgery. It is a temporary measure that does not benefit patients with chronic heart failure.

count·er·pul·sa·tion

(kown'ter-pŭl-sā'shŭn),

A means of assisting the failing heart by automatically removing arterial blood just before and during ventricular ejection and returning it to the circulation during diastole; a balloon catheter is inserted into the aorta and activated by an automatic mechanism triggered by the ECG.

counterpulsation

/coun·ter·pul·sa·tion/ (-pul-sa´shun) a technique for assisting the circulation and decreasing the work of the heart, by synchronizing the force of an external pumping device with cardiac systole and diastole.

intra-aortic balloon (IAB) counterpulsation circulatory support provided by a balloon inserted into the thoracic aorta, inflated during diastole and deflated during systole.

counterpulsation

[-pulsā′shən]

Etymology: L, contra + pulsare, to beat

1 the action of a circulatory-assist pumping device that is synchronized with cardiac systole and diastole to decrease the work of the heart.

2 the process of increasing the intraaortic pressure in diastole by inflation of an intraaortic balloon and deflation of the balloon immediately before the next systole.

count·er·pul·sa·tion

(kown'tĕr-pŭl-sā'shŭn)

A means of assisting the failing heart by automatically removing arterial blood just before and during ventricular ejection and returning it to the circulation during diastole; a balloon catheter is inserted into the aorta and activated by an automatic mechanism triggered by the electrocardiogram.

counterpulsation

technique for assisting the circulation by the use of an external pumping device synchronized with cardiac systole.

Patient demographics, IABP indication, IABP complication rate and mortality in 662 patients treated with IABP at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH), Brisbane, between January 1994 and December 2004 inclusive were compared with The Benchmark Counterpulsation Outcomes Registry.

s (NASDAQ Small Cap: VASO) proprietary EECP(R) enhanced external counterpulsation system show that over time, use of the system leads to a significant reduction in the severity of angina in a majority of patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).

Data from the IEPR in addition to other data generated exclusively with Vasomedical's EECP system were the basis for the Health Care Financing Administration's decision to extend Medicare coverage to external counterpulsation.

Tenders are invited for the purchase of consumables for intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (WABC) devices for the CS 300 (MAQUET), Cardiosave hybrid (MAQUET) and AutoCAT2WAVE (Arrow International Inc.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a safe, non-invasive procedure that can overcome heart disease in two ways--by passively exercising the heart to strengthen the vascular system and by targeting inflammation, the underlying culprit in damaged blood vessels that inhibits blood flow.

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